Big increase in AFL positive drug tests

The AFL has revealed that the problem of players taking illegal drugs is worsening, with a 227 per cent increase in the rate of positive tests in 2012.

The results were made public alongside the report of the league's working party into illicit drugs, which has recommended a tightening of the AFL's anti-drug policy.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said that there had been 26 positive results in 2012, more than four times higher than the six positives in 2011.

However there were nearly 500 more drug tests carried out in 2012 than in 2011.

As a direct comparison, 1.31 per cent of all tests were failed by players, compared to a 0.4 per cent failure rate the previous year, an increase of 227.5 per cent.

All 26 positive tests were out-of-competition, rather than on game day - 25 of the 26 results were related to stimulants, with one positive test for cannabis.

The identities of players who have tested positive were not released, but it was revealed that three players were now on two strikes.

Demetriou said the rise in test failures was "significant and concerning".

"The increase is obviously disappointing, but it reinforces the need to be vigilant and for a medical model that allows players to be tested all year round, and allows for early intervention," he said.

Under the AFL's anti-drugs regime clubs receive information about positive drug tests but are not given the identities of players.

Players are given counselling by the league after failed tests.

A player who fails a third test is liable for a $5,000 fine and a suspension of up to 18 matches.

The AFL's three-strikes policy will remain in place.

"Our experience is that the use of illicit drugs by most players is opportunistic and almost always related to external peer group use in social circumstances away from their football club, and often preceded by excessive drinking," the AFL's medical director Dr Peter Harcourt said.

"This underlines the importance of the so-called 'three strikes' model, as supported by all clubs, and also the continuing need for education about the risks associated with illicit or recreational drug use."

The new policy will allow clubs to request increased general testing of players, as well as target testing of individual players.

There will be increased testing of players in periods deemed high-risk for illegal drug use, such as the off-season.

The new rules mean players will only be able to self-report drug use once in their careers.

The league will be able to direct players to have more intense counselling if they are seen as having an attitude contrary to the illicit drugs policy.

As a last resort, the AFL will be able to name the player to the relevant club chief executive if the player's attitude does not improve.